These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are the perfect treat for any sweet tooth! With a soft, chewy cookie base and a delicious chocolate hug on top, they’re both fun and tasty!
Every bite is like a little party in your mouth! I always love having these cookies around, especially for sharing (or not!). Plus, they’re super easy to bake—perfect for cozy days in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Use softened unsalted butter for a rich flavor. You can substitute with margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan option.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best, but you could try coconut sugar for a slight caramel flavor. Just note it may change the texture a bit.
All-Purpose Flour: If you’re looking to go gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be a great substitute. Just check that it contains xanthan gum for structure.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Adjust the amount until you get the right frosting consistency.
Strawberry Kiss Lip Candies: If you can’t find these, other fun candies like chocolate-covered strawberries or even strawberry marshmallows can add a cute touch and flavor!
How Do I Get Soft and Chewy Cookies?
For soft and chewy cookies, the right baking technique is essential. Here’s how to achieve this:
- Keep your butter at room temperature but not greasy. This helps with creaming it properly with sugar.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour; just mix until combined.
- Underbake slightly—pull them out when they’re just golden around the edges. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
Remember, the cooling time on a wire rack is key for that perfect texture!
Strawberry Kiss Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring
For the Strawberry Kiss Lip Candies:
- Strawberry-flavored puffed corn lips candy (or similar strawberry-flavored crispy candy shaped like lips)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes around 15-20 minutes for preparation and about 10-12 minutes for baking. Once they cool and are frosted, allow some time for the frosting to set. Overall, you can expect to have these fresh and sweet Strawberry Kiss Cookies ready in about 50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookies:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this dry blend into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
2. Baking the Cookies:
Take the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them on the lined baking sheets around 2 inches apart, as they will spread while baking. Flatten each dough ball slightly using the bottom of a glass or your palm. Bake them for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. After baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Make the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream (or milk) and the vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth, adjusting with additional cream or milk as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency. To give the frosting a lovely color, stir in a few drops of pink food coloring until you are pleased with the shade.
4. Assemble the Cookies:
Once the cookies are fully cool, spread a generous layer of the pink frosting onto the top of each cookie. To finish, gently press a strawberry-flavored puffed corn lip candy onto the center of the frosted cookie, ensuring it sticks well.
5. Serving & Storage:
Allow the frosting to set a bit before serving. Store your delicious Strawberry Kiss Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and sweet for everyone to enjoy!
These Strawberry Kiss Cookies are perfect for any celebration or as a delightful treat to brighten someone’s day. Enjoy baking and indulging in these sweet creations!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter! Just make sure it’s at room temperature to achieve the right creamy consistency.
How Do I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free Strawberry Kiss Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture!
Can I Make the Frosting Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the frosting in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, give it a good stir and add a splash of cream if it’s too thick.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week!